Virtual volunteers: the importance of restructuring medical volunteering during the COVID-19 pandemic
Zachary Pickell, Kathleen Gu, Aaron M. Williams
Abstract
Healthcare systems have postponed medical volunteering services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, much of the aid provided by these volunteers is crucial to patient care and hospital functioning in the American healthcare system. The adoption of online video conferencing platforms in healthcare-telehealth-offers a novel solution for volunteering during this pandemic. Virtual volunteering can alleviate pressures on medical workers, enhance patient experiences, reduce the risk of viral infection and provide a sense of normalcy for patients and families. Although further study is required, this should be an avenue considered by health systems.
Topics & Concepts
TelehealthRestructuringPandemicCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Health careHealthcare systemVideoconferencingSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)2019-20 coronavirus outbreakTelemedicinePsychologyMedical emergencyNursingBusinessPublic relationsMedicinePolitical scienceComputer scienceVirologyMultimediaPathologyLawFinanceDiseaseOutbreakInfectious disease (medical specialty)Telemedicine and Telehealth ImplementationSocial Media in Health EducationMental Health and Patient Involvement